Canada, CEF. A First War Pair to Pte. McDonald, 29th Battalion, Wounded at Vimy Ridge, 1917

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 116880 PTE. D.C. MC DONALD. 29-CAN. INF., light contact, very dark patina, very fine. 

A Victory Medal, in bronze gilt, full size, rim impressed 116880 PTE. D.C. MC DONALD. 29-CAN. INF., evident gilt loss, near very fine. 

Footnote: Daniel Chrisholm McDonald was born in Hillsboro, Inverness County, Nova Scotia on February 5, 1879. He was employed as a farmer when he enlisted on May 8, 1916 with the 11th Canadian Mounted Rifles in BC. 

While serving with the 29th battalion, he was admitted to the 13 General Hospital Bologne on April 11, 1917 after suffering a severe gunshot wound to the left knee. He was invalided to Canada, and discharged as medically unfit after being diagnosed with bony ankylosis. 

Records state “Vimy Ridge. Apr. 9th 1917.. While in no man’s land, hit in left knee by shrapnel bullet. Bullet and bone splinters removed. Six operations for cellulitis.”

On 11 April 1917, the 29th Battalion (Vancouver), CEF, was engaged in the aftermath of the initial assault on Vimy Ridge. The battalion’s role involved holding newly captured positions, consolidating the trench lines, and securing the area against counterattacks. Units likely faced intermittent artillery fire while conducting patrols and preparing for relief or rotation, contributing to the larger Canadian effort to fully secure the ridge.